Uber drivers walk out in Melbourne, strike over major fare change

Hundreds of Uber drivers have parked their vehicles to strike over fears they are being exploited by the transport giant.

Protests took place across Australia’s capital cities last week, with hundreds of motorists gathering at Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne airports.

Footage from the Melbourne protest shows security guards closely monitoring demonstrators as they chant “unfair” and hold signs.

The protests are in response to Uber cutting fares by an average of three percent nationwide, which drivers say has had a direct impact on their income.

According to drivers, the measure will result in fares being reduced by up to 30 percent in some areas, as the app now calculates fares in a different way.

Passengers tired from the journey and trying to get home after a long flight were faced with delays after drivers went offline in protest last week.

According to reports, the protesters encouraged Uber drivers arriving at the airport to cancel their scheduled rides and join the demonstrations.

The strike doubled the price of an Uber ride for passengers, as there were fewer drivers on the road.

Hundreds of Uber drivers have parked their vehicles to strike over fears they are being exploited by the transport giant (pictured: Melbourne Airport protests)

Some Australians were unimpressed by the protests. In comments on TikTok footage of the protests, several people said Uber’s prices were too high.

“From Southern Cross Station to the airport it would have cost me $70… How much more do they want me to pay,” one woman wrote.

“It’s cheaper to park or take the $25 Skybus… what do you offer that justifies such higher rates?” a second responded.

A third said: ‘If you all learn to drive without giving me whiplash then maybe you can charge more. Your driving skills are shocking.’

Another added: ‘On behalf of all other drivers in Melbourne, please keep striking. The roads haven’t been this safe for a long time.’

Some found it ironic that the drivers were standing up for their rights, while the presence of Uber was actually causing problems for many taxi drivers.

“Hypocrites, they destroyed the taxi industry because they chose Uber,” someone said.

However, others praised the drivers’ demands for higher pay through the app.

“It’s the slavery era of Uber,” someone said.

“Keep it up guys, Uber could learn a lesson,” agreed a second.

Uber drivers are expected to get a pay raise of up to $5.39 per hour or $95 per week when the Closing Loopholes Bill takes effect in November.

The bill sets minimum standards for workers on digital labor platforms.

However, it is unlikely that Uber drivers will see the benefits after the transportation giant decided to cut fares for passengers.

This comes as motorists complain about having to work 12-hour days and sleep in their cars, while petrol prices rise and the cost of living is under pressure.

Shane Millsom, secretary of the Rideshare Network and an Uber driver, accused Uber of exploiting its drivers and making it impossible for them to earn a decent living.

“They’ve not (only) cut fares for passengers, they’ve cut driver pay. Uber is absolutely aware that many drivers have no other choice,” he said.

‘Taxi service drivers are not faceless companies; they are human beings who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.’

Footage from the Melbourne protest shows security guards closely monitoring demonstrators as they chant “unfair” and hold signs (pictured)

In an August 21 email, drivers were informed that the new fare calculation system would take into account the origin of the trip and the time of day.

Uber said there would be no changes to minimum or peak fares.

According to the ride-sharing app, it would “connect riders to the best ride at the best price.”

“As always, travelers can see the full cost of the fare upfront before requesting a ride. They will also receive a full breakdown of these new fare components in their email receipt and in the app,” a spokesperson said.

“This new approach allows Uber to optimally balance both sides of our market, ensuring that there are enough drivers in the right places to provide a seamless experience for riders.”

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is now encouraging Uber drivers to take part in consultation groups discussing changes to the Closing Loopholes Bill.

Michael Kaine, national secretary of TWU, said transport workers need a safety net.

‘Consultations with taxi drivers and the industry have begun and can now be formalised through the Road Transport Advisory Group, which will inform the Commission’s new panel of road transport experts to set appropriate standards,’ he said.